Letter of recommendation from a teacher that doesn't relate to your kid?

[Anonymous]

OP again - just to clarify, re. the switch, I'd jump at the chance to place him in a PK-8 program, and will be exploring that possibility, absolutely!

But at this point, I'm not spending a lot of time looking for another Montessori or stand-alone preschool, since A)I doubt that there are a lot of mid-year openings, and B)he would have to move again for K next fall.

[Anonymous]

OP: Your son sounds like a combination of immature with a strong personality. I have the same and decided to keep him home and teach him these conformist behaviors while hoping that he matures. You situtation sounds like mine and I think makes the strongest case for holding kids back.

[Anonymous]

OP - I'm sorry for what you and your DS are going through. Your son sounds normal to me, and maybe he would do better in a more "traditional" preschool. My 4 year old DD does a lot of the same things your DS does (especially the singing and fidgeting), and no one at her school has suggested she needs to alter her behavior (she is able to sit still during lessons, but the school also seems to have ample playtime).

I'm also not sure why other schools need letters of recommendation. I don't know where you are located, but Winchester School in Silver Spring might fit the bill for your DS. They are 3 year old through 2nd grade, so he wouldn't have to switch again for a couple years, and they do not need all the kids to conform in the way you're describing. (and I know they add people mid-year, they added a new 4 year old a couple weeks ago, and a new k or 1st grader a few weeks before that).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again - just to clarify, re. the switch, I'd jump at the chance to place him in a PK-8 program, and will be exploring that possibility, absolutely!

But at this point, I'm not spending a lot of time looking for another Montessori or stand-alone preschool, since A)I doubt that there are a lot of mid-year openings, and B)he would have to move again for K next fall.

OP, don't be so sure there aren't places with mid year openings. People move all the time, or pull out due to change in economic circumstances. And wait lists are shorter because a lot of people already have found spots they like for their kids!

And, if it's a choice between staying Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/May/June in a place a kid doesn't feel comfortable ad that is too rigid and where the teachers are negative about him -- versus spending those months in a school that is more appropriate and where teachers will see him positively -- then that's the way I'd go.

Staying at a bad school just so you don't have to switch twice is kind of like staying at a restaurant that serves only steak, and you are a vegetarian -- just because you already sat down, and it has big portions.

[Anonymous]

By the way OP, we switched our child from one crummy preschool in September, and we could not be happier. I would consider a switch, not only to improve your application, but also to have your child enjoy this year. Nine months is a long time for a child of this age.

[Anonymous]

I switched my preschool child in November of last year. She was soooo much happier in the new school, I never questioned whether the fact that she had to move again to a new school soon would be a bad thing.

[Anonymous]

Yes, pp, when you have a sense that another school would be better, you're usually right.
I suffered in a hoorible Catholic school in NY for years, when I switched school, it was like a new life had begun. I was tickled that I looked forward to school!

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd post a msg to the whole list and ask if anyone knows of openings for preschool or pre-K-8. Move now, enjoy the holidays, and if you are lucky, DC might be set for many years. A lot of privates in close in MD were not full when school started and might be very happy to hear from you. I wouldn't just wait for open houses, I'd make a round of calls on Monday. I am sure that there are preschools with openings as well, try St. Columba's in Tenleytown. Very active program, might be a good fit for your little boy. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP, we had our daughter in Montessori for two years and dealt with these types of complaints. Her pediatrician felt that the expectations were not age appropriate and recommended we consider another placement. We did and couldn't believe the difference. She was a whole different kid. Frankly, I have a very negative opinion of the whole Montessori philosophy. There are definitely schools with openings this time of year, I hope you consider moving your child. I do not agree with the pp who felt your son is immature. He doesn't sound immature, he sounds normal and bored. He has no connection with the teacher, through no fault of his own and that must make for a stressful morning for him. Why should being 4 be stressful?

[Anonymous]

If you are still considering switching schools for this year, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Nursery School currently has openings in the afternoon 4s class. Its a lovely place, has an appropriate, play-based curriculum, and the afternoon teacher is particularly good with active, curious boys (I have one of my own). The school in on Chevy Chase Circle, so convienent to NW DC and close in MD. Call Cindy Walsh the director to inquire, but they have a lot of diplomat children so are used to families coming and going mid-year.

Good luck -- I feel for you and your boy in the current situation.

[Anonymous]

OP -

Hope you check back in and let us know what you do/did. I think you've got a sympathetic audience here. We all wish you and your son well. Your experience and thought processes may be very helpful for someone else.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP -

Hope you check back in and let us know what you do/did. I think you've got a sympathetic audience here. We all wish you and your son well. Your experience and thought processes may be very helpful for someone else.

Good luck!

Second that.

[Anonymous]

An aside:

Your son's experience doesn't sound very "Montessori" in spirit. I find the teacher and director's behavior very strange...

[Anonymous]

Be careful in assuming that your child is simply bored. My son taught himself how to read when he was 3 but had a hard time in preschool because he couldn't adhere to the (play based, so more tolerant) program. He had to work hard to control himself and was more immature than the other kids. He wasn't bored, bright though he was, he was struggling.

Which is another way of saying the school is a poor fit and probably another Montessori would be as well. Find a play based program so he can relax, have fun and learn socialization and play skills (which are more important in the future for problem solving and creative thinking).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An aside:

Your son's experience doesn't sound very "Montessori" in spirit. I find the teacher and director's behavior very strange...

It sounds entirely Montessori in practice to me.